Sunday, February 7, 2010

Shanghai: Opening this week at the Asian

Shanghai- a city that was once synonymous with decadence and crime, a name that conjured visions of sin and sex, brothels, babes, capitalism and colonialism. It was both cosmopolitan and dynamic, the place where East met West, sometimes in a creative synthesis and sometimes in a confrontation that ended in tragedy. It was the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party and where Chang Kai Shek took control of the Kuomintang, the city where the White Russians and Russian Jews fled for sanctuary. It's been at the cutting edge of politics, revolution and movements of all kinds for most of its history. Currently, it's the largest city in China and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.

The Asian Museum will be presenting objects from Shanghai's history, from its origins in a traditional, walled Chinese city through the decades of Manchu downfall, civil war, the Japanese invasion and Communist rule. Throughout all, the artists of Shanghai - in whatever medium - have created unique and stunning works of art. Who says that East can't meet West (or vice-a-versa)?

The museum has a wonderful educational section through their web pages - full of information about Chinese history and art, Shanghai and the upcoming show. http://www.asianart.org/shanghai.htm